Knowing how to reset your iPhone is crucial.

If you’re trading in an old phone, or giving it to someone as a hand-me-down, the main thing you’ll want to do ahead of time is reset the device to its factory default settings (i.e., the way it was when you initially bought it).

The good news is that, on iPhone, this is very easy to do. Here’s how to reset your iPhone.

First, make a backup

Before resetting your phone, it’s paramount that you create a device backup first. That way, when you get a new iPhone, you can load up all your old apps and settings onto the new device.

Unless you’re not getting a new phone and going wilderness-survival mode, in which case that’s cool too.

Anyway, the easiest way to back up an iPhone is via iCloud. Open the Settings app and tap your name at the top of the page, then tap iCloud. From there, tap iCloud Backup and hit the button that says “Back Up Now.” You can also turn on automatic backups from this menu if you want, but as long as you remember to do it manually, that’s fine too.

Suffice it to say, make sure you remember your Apple ID and password so you can, you know, access the backup when it’s time to do that.

How to reset iPhone

Now that we’ve made a backup, the real fun begins. Here’s a step-by-step process on how to reset your iPhone:

This is what you want to see. Dark mode optional.
Credit: Screenshot: Apple

1. Open the Settings app

2. Tap “General”

3. Tap “Transfer or Reset”

4. Tap “Erase All Content and Settings”

5. Enter your Apple login information, if prompted

6. When ready, confirm that you want to reset the device

It’s really that easy. Keep in mind that the actual process of erasing everything on your iPhone might take a few minutes, so don’t worry if it doesn’t happen instantly. Once you’re done, enjoy your new iPhone.